Help brighten the holidays for youths Somerset Home in Bridgewater

Santa and his helpers give out gifts to the abused and neglected teens at Somerset Home in Bridgewater.

The Messenger-Gazette

Superstorm Sandy has disrupted many people’s lives and made celebrating the holidays more difficult, but the abused and neglected teens at Somerset Home still hope Santa will be able to fulfill some of their wishes.

This year, donations are down, so Somerset Home is asking the community to step in and help its teenage residents share in the joys of the season.

Online donations made at somersethome.org will be used to purchase some of the gifts these children are hoping for. Or checks can be sent to Somerset Home, 49 Brahma Ave., Bridgewater, NJ 08807. Donated gift cards can also help fulfill a wish.

During the holidays, as many as 36 boys and girls, ages 13-21, will be living at the agency’s five Bridgewater residences.

Somerset Home has been a safe haven for homeless adolescents since 1973, providing food, shelter, clothing, counseling, education, recreation and referrals to other support services.

“The holidays are especially difficult for our youth,” said Marshall Christie, interim executive director of Somerset Home. “They are facing some of the biggest challenges in their young lives – away from family, friends and everything familiar – and many of them may never be able to go home. With the help of generous people in the community, we’re able to create some special holiday memories.”